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Mother of Heather Campbell: 'Never thought we'd get that call'

Laurie Campbell remembers her 22-year old daughter killed in an apparent murder-suicide.

STRONGSVILLE -- Laurie Campbell clung to her family as she held back tears Wednesday.

"Never in our wildest dreams would we think that we would ever get that phone call," Campbell said.

Campbell's only daughter, 22-year old Heather, was believed to be murdered over the weekend in her north Columbus apartment.

"She taught us all to be kind and love each other," Laurie said. "Just unconditional love."

Columbus Police say Heather may have been killed by her boyfriend, Kyle Lafferty, in an apparent murder-suicide.

Laurie says the two met when Heather enlisted into the United States Navy last July.

"Seemed like he treated her well. They seemed very happy together. You can tell in the photos," Laurie said.

Heather got an honorable discharge in May of 2017 and the couple moved in together at Taylor House on Olentangy River Road.

"They moved in together so quickly," Laurie said. "They had only known each other a short time. They had only known each other for eight months."

Laurie says all seemed to be OK until Heather began talking about Kyle's excessive drinking.

"I know that he drank a lot," Laurie said. "She didn't even want a glass of wine. She was like burned out."

Laurie says Kyle worked for the Navy for 20 day stints at a time. But, when he came home, he wanted to drink and party.

"I was concerned about that," Laurie said. "But, you want to trust and believe that people are good and they are not going to hurt you or harm you."

Family members say the couple went out the night of the shooting.

"We know there was alcohol involved. How much? We don't know," Laurie said.

Sunday, Heather was found shot to death alongside Kyle in their kitchen.

"We don't know if he had any mental health issues or any domestic violence in his background. She didn't either," Laurie said.

Laurie now says she has this message for young women in the dating world: "Before you live with somebody, get to know them," she said. "Make sure they don't have any history of violence. Make sure you didn't feel threatened in any way."

Hours after Heather's murder, her first cousin Jessica went into labor. Heather and Jessica Brochu were first cousins and as close as sisters.

"We were inseparable. We grew up six months a part. She even lived with my mom, me and my sister," Jessica said.

When Jessica's water broke, Heather was one of the first people she called.

"I called her and called her and her phone wasn't working," Jessica said. "It was just off, which it's never off."

Eventually, Jessica got the news that her favorite cousin had been murdered.

"I completely broke down," Jessica said. "The doctor came in and told me that if I didn't calm down it could be a way worse day."

Jessica gave birth to a healthy baby girl four weeks earlier than her due date. She named her Heather Louise.

"It just didn't feel right to name her anything else because of the ... " Jessica paused. "Especially with the fact that it was the same day ... it's just like ... I still can't believe it."

A memorial service will be held for Heather at 7 p.m. Saturday at Grace Church in Middleburg.

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